Tag: SPF

Uneven complexion is one of the most common concerns in the world! It can appear in different forms and for various reasons. Most commonly, when we have pigmentation issues, we’re thinking about brown patches on our face, shoulders, hands or…

Actor Hugh Jackman’s recurring bouts with skin cancer have attracted attention to what national medical organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Skin Cancer Foundation say is already an epidemic. Jackman, best known as the star of the X-Men movie franchise, recently took to Twitter to encourage people to use sunscreen after undergoing treatment for the fifth case of skin cancer on his nose since 2013.

The type of skin cancer Jackman had is called basal cell carcinoma. It’s the most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Both are rarely fatal, but they can be highly disfiguring and may spread if left untreated. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but it makes up only about 5% of all skin cancer cases diagnosed annually.

All types of skin cancer are on the rise despite efforts to increase awareness about the importance of protecting skin from the sun. A 2015 study published in JAMA Dermatology estimated that more than 5 million skin cancers are treated yearly in the U.S. in approximately 3.3 million people. This number continues to rise, and each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

Dr. Brett Coldiron, founder of the The Skin Cancer Center in Cincinnati, told the Skin Cancer Foundation that be believes significant increases in the number of nonmelanoma skin cancer cases is due to a number of factors. For one thing, he says, the number of skin cancers reported is probably more accurate now than in the past.

He adds, “I think the increase is due to sun exposure, both incidental and intentional, and the growth of tanning parlors. Also, the baby boomer generation is aging, and most skin cancer patients are over 65.”

Baby boomers make up the largest part of our population. Not only are baby boomers living longer, but they are spending more of their life out in the sun.

Jackman, at 48, doesn’t quite fall into the baby boom demographic. But he underwent a treatment to remove a skin cancer tumor that is becoming increasingly familiar to aging patients, who make up the vast majority of individuals diagnosed with basal cell and squamous cell cancers. That treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery, is widely regarded as the most effective for nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Mohs surgery involves a meticulous process in which an extremely thin layer of tissue is removed by a surgeon, who then examines it under a microscope to determine whether any cancer cells remain. The process is repeated until all cancerous tissue is removed. The outpatient procedure may take several hours, but it has a cure rate of about 99% for patients diagnosed for the first time and up to 94% for recurrent tumors.

It’s also preferred for treating skin cancer in areas where the cosmetic outcome is important, such as the nose, lips, and other areas of the face, because Mohs spares more healthy tissue than other treatment methods. When the treatment is performed by an American College of Mohs Surgery member, Mohs surgery recovery is typically smooth.

“Because American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) members perform the procedure in an outpatient setting using only local anesthesia, immediate recovery generally involves little more than resting and simple wound care,” says the ACMS website. “Some patients may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, redness, or inflammation, but these are typically temporary and easily manageable.”

Specialists who belong to the ACMS complete rigorous post-residency fellowship training from highly qualified instructors. Completing the fellowship includes participating in at least 500 Mohs surgery cases and demonstrating an ability to accurately interpret slides of tissue samples removed during the procedures.

Treatment alternatives such as excising the tumor, radiation, or cryogenic surgery (freezing the tumor off) are still being used, but expect to learn more about Mohs surgery as its benefits become apparent to more celebrities and regular folks alike.

Bio: Emmy Owens is a health & beauty blogger who loves everything related to looking your best! She is a mother and wife who loves staying fit by chasing her young children. With age, she is not opposed to a cosmetic enhancement here or there, but the specifics remain in the vault.

Skin care is not something we should start worrying about just as we get older. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 23% of our lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 18. The top priority of most parents is to protect…

It is the close of summer and school is in full swing. No matter what your age, with the changing weather and daily routines this time of year, it is important to re-evaluate your skin care habits and products. Stay at the head of the class with our Skin Care 101 tips.

Summer vacation for many means time outdoors camping and hiking. Whether you’re “glamping” in a cabin or traditional camping in a tent, it is possible to maintain healthy, radiant skin while in the great outdoors with a modified skin care…

There is a dangerous new practice trending on social media called “sunburn art” or “tan tattoo”. People are creating body art by selectively using sunblock to create designs on their skin and allowing the rest of their skin to go…

Acne is stressful enough to handle on its own, but dealing with the aftermath of scars can put anyone over the edge. You may be frustrated with slow results from treatment, but you may not be treating the problem correctly. That is because there isn’t just one type of scar – there are acne scars and then there is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Read on to discover the differences between scars and marks and the best treatments for each.

It’s officially summer and time for fun outdoors, holidays and travel. While the sun brings warmth and much to look forward to, it also means changes for your skin that can be less then fun, especially if you have oily…

Tanning makes you feel good and proud of yourself. Whether you resort to lying in the sun or go for an indoor tanning, UV rays remain dangerous to your skin. There is a common belief that the vitamin D found in UV rays is usually good for our skin but as you tan, your skin will lose moisture and that is the reason why caring for your skin after going through a tanning session is paramount.

When it comes to summer sunshine, finding ways to protect your skin is more than a luxury — because of the real dangers of UV rays, guarding your skin is vital in order to prevent sunburn, eye damage, early wrinkles and even skin cancer. How can you care for your skin without sacrificing fashion? What are the best ways to practice sun safety without feeling self-conscious?

Summer is here! Hotter temperatures and sun exposure can zap your skin of its glow if you’re not careful. Whether you are hitting the beach, pool, lake or just on the go all day long, here’s what you can do…

For most of us Mom was our first teacher. Helping us learn to navigate and explore the world around us and shape us into the people we are today. With Mothers Day this weekend, the team at mySkin reflected on the lessons our mothers taught us, that drive our passion for healthy skin, skin care products and our latest innovation OKU.

Spring is officially here even if, in some corners of the world, the weather still feels like winter. The transition to spring can be tough on skin. Follow these tips so your skin will be ready for the warmer weather…

Loving the skin you’re in can be easier said than done. In a society obsessed with perfection and airbrushed photos, loving our slight skin “imperfections” can be difficult. We make choices every day to fight signs of aging and acne….

You consider yourself a skin-savvy individual? How well do you know the skin around your eyes and how to care for it? Take our quiz to test your skin eye-Q! 1) True or False: The skin around eyes is thinner…

Travelling constantly sounds really glamorous, but logging all of those airline miles can take a toll on your skin. Whether you are an occasional traveler or constantly on a plane, traveling for business, or going on vacation, we have some…

Most women hit the panic button as soon as they turn 30 – as if an alarm goes off and they start worrying about looking and feeling older. However, aging gracefully requires modifying the way you care for yourself in…

Maintaining skin moisture is critical to skin health and to looking more youthful. Drinking water helps you maintain overall body and skin health, however, it is not a replacement for using a moisturizer. Everybody, regardless of their skin type, needs…

In the cold days of winter, we are all dreaming about a sunny getaway. Whether you’re headed to warmer climates or just dreaming about them, you need to make SPF your BFF! In addition to increasing risk of skin cancer,…